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Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, is contributing $15 million to The Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cybersecurity Fund. In collaboration with the Cyber Peace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance, the fund aims to enhance the digital safety capabilities of 300,000 underserved micro and small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises
The Asia Foundation, working with implementing organizations and universities across the region, aims to empower local communities and students through upskilling tools and cyber clinics to protect against online risks. The initiative will cover 13 locations, including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Asia-Pacific region has become a focal point for cybercrimes, recording the highest number of cyber incidents worldwide in 2023. Small businesses face particularly alarming threats and impacts, with over half of them experiencing cyber incidents in recent years, most commonly through malware attacks. These incidents jeopardize operations, result in revenue loss, and negatively impact business reputations.More than 70% of small business owners express concerns that serious cyber incidents could potentially end their businesses. With cyber threats escalating, it is crucial for entrepreneurs and internet users to possess the skills to understand, assess, and mitigate potential risks.
In an effort to build an inclusive and safe digital ecosystem, the APAC Cybersecurity Fund, facilitated by The Asia Foundation, will connect small businesses and vulnerable groups to local training opportunities and resources for enhancing their digital defense. The initiative, supported by local partners, will deliver cyber clinics and upskilling activities in Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Marija Ralic, Google.org APAC Lead, expressed pride in supporting The Asia Foundation, stating, “We are looking forward to the strides that this initiative will bring in creating a safer digital space in Sri Lanka and within the APAC region.”
In Sri Lanka, which ranked 81st out of 175 countries in the 2020 National Cyber Security Index, the program aims to reach up to 5,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), covering 10,000 individuals. Dinesha De Silva, Country Representative for The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka, emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in the country’s evolving digital landscape and highlighted the urgent need to enhance their cyber defenses.
Sudheera Jayarathne, Director of the Small Enterprises Development Division and a local implementing partner, expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of the program on MSMEs, stating, “The opportunity to work in partnership with The Asia Foundation, supported by Google.org under this project will empower us to achieve our goal of providing knowledge on Cyber Hygiene and Cyber Security to Small and Medium Businesses.”
